NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 24 June 2005

SpaceRef note: This NASA Headquarters internal status report, as presented here, contains additional, original material produced by SpaceRef.com (copyright © 2005) to enhance access to related status reports and NASA activities.

All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below.

The crew began the work day with their first standard fit check of the Kazbeks, the contoured shock absorbing seats in the Soyuz 10S descent capsule (SA).  [This required them to remove the Pinguin cabin suit and don their Sokol KV-2 communications caps, getting into in their seats in their underwear and assessing the degree of comfort and uniform body support provided by the seat liner. Using a ruler, they also measured the gap between the top of the head and the top edge of the seat liner facing the head crown. The results were reported to TsUP. Kazbek-UM couches are designed to withstand g-loads during launch and orbital insertion as well as during reentry and brake-rocket-assisted landing. Each seat has two positions: cocked (armed) and noncocked. In cocked position, they are raised to allow the shock absorbers to function during touchdown. The fit check assures that the crewmembers, whose spines gain in length during longer-term stay in zero-G, will still be adequately protected by the seat liners for their touchdown in Kazakhstan. 10S serves as CRV (crew return vehicle) in the event of a contingency and for the end-of-mission return of Krikalev and Phillips (plus Tokarev) to Earth on 10/7.]

Later, CDR Krikalev and FE/SO Phillips conducted the first fire drill/OBT (on-board training) of their Increment, a mandatory periodic one-hour exercise specifically written for the current two-person crew. Primary goal of this exercise is to provide the station residents with the most realistic emergency training possible. The drill is always conducted with the support of both MCCs in close coordination.  [OBT objectives are to (a) practice fire response procedures (FRPs) and all incorporated actions for the case of a software-detected fire to locate, extinguish, and verify extinguishing attempts; (b) browse through RS laptop and the Signal-VM fire detection system displays as well as the automated software (algorithms) response to the fire event; (c) practice crew communication necessary to perform emergency FRPs; (d) update the locations of support hardware (CSA-CP compound specific analyzer-combustion products, IPK-1M gas masks and OSP-4 fire extinguishers to be used for fire suppression in the FGB. These exercises do not actually use any fire equipment but simulate such actions to the maximum extent possible. After the OBT, a post-training debrief was to be prepared.]

Krikalev retrieved and assembled equipment items required for upcoming (6/27-28) installation and set-up activities of MBRL space-to-space radio and BUAP electronics gear for controlling ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle) proximity operations. Extensive testing of the ATV PCE (proximity communications equipment) is planned for next week (6/28-30).

Phillips performed the monthly IMS (Inventory Management System)-based PEP (portable emergency provisions) audit and inspection. [The audit involved verification that PFEs (portable fire extinguishers), PBAs, QDMAs (quick-don mask assemblies) and EHTKs (extension hose/tee kits) are free of damage to ensure their functionality, and to track shelf life/life cycles on the hardware. There are a total of 5 PBAs in the U.S. segment (USOS). There is only one EHTK, in the Lab.]

The FE/So also returned the power equipment for the Aeolus voltage/current scopemeter from the Node, where he had used it for the PMA-3 (Pressurized Mating Adapter 3) pressurization, back to the Lab.

Sergei performed a test activation of two thermostats (TBU) in the Russian segment (RS), one (#4) in operation on ISS since 2004, the other (#3) delivered by Progress 17, conducting checkout and performance verification.

The CDR also worked on the Russian payload server (BSPN), checking out its payload interface performance with a new software patch developed by specialists for the ISS “Wiener” laptop. Later, he downloaded system data/log files of the BSPN, from the ROKVISS experiment, to the Wiener for analysis on the ground.

John Phillips meanwhile had the job of installing the CBCS (centerline berthing camera system) in the Node nadir hatch and checking it out, preparatory to the berthing of MPLM Raffaello during the LF-1 mission. During the activity, RPC-17 (Remote Power Controller 17) of RPC Module (RPCM) N13B-A tripped. The crew reported no indication of an electrical or burning smell. Data are being reviewed, and the CBCS installation has been postponed until the issue is resolved.

Both crewmembers had about an hour reserved for reviewing the uplinked timeline of the LF-1/STS-114 mission in July.  [The necessary sleep shifting for the crew (3h 30m) will not be done until after launch of the Shuttle, currently expected on 7/13. Docking will be on Flight Day 3 (FD3, 7/15), MPLM installation on FD4, EVA1 on FD5, cargo transfers on FD6, EVA2 on FD7, transfers and rest for the STS crew on FD8, EVA3 on FD9, MPLM removal on FD10, and undocking on FD11.]

ISS cabin atmosphere was refreshed with 8 mmHg of gaseous oxygen from Progress 18 tankage (SrPK). Current ppO2: 151mmHg.

The CDR performed more troubleshooting on the Elektron, including purging the nitrogen (N2) line which yesterday had produced the failure message “electrolyte in H2 line”. The effort was not successful; a restart failed again.

John completed the daily routine maintenance of the SM’s environment control & life support system (SOZh) and also prepared the regular IMS delta file for export/import to the IMS databases, while Sergei conducted his regular weekly IMS tagup with specialists at TsUP/Moscow at ~7:10am EDT, discussing open issues concerning identification of equipment and storage locations for the IMS databases.  [Today s focus was on stowage location of the Active Docking Assembly, two crew jackets found in the FGB, etc.]

The FE also filled out the regular weekly FFQ (food frequency questionnaire), his eighth, which keeps a log of his nutritional intake over time on special MEC (medical equipment computer) software.  [With the updated MEC software, John is using his personalized file that reflects the food flown for his Increment. The FFQ records amounts consumed during the past week of such food items as beverages, cereals, grains, eggs, breads, snacks, sweets, fruit, beans, soup, vegetables, dairy, fish, meat, chicken, sauces & spreads, and vitamins. IBMP (Institute of Biomedical Problems)-recommended average daily caloric value of the crew s food intake is 2200-2300 cal. If larger quantities of juices and fruits are taken into account, the value can go to 2400-2500 cal.]

Both crewmembers worked out in their regular 2.5-hr. physical exercise program on the TVIS treadmill, RED resistive exerciser and VELO ergometer bike with bungee cord load trainer.  [Sergei s daily protocol prescribes a strict four-day microcycle exercise with 1.5 hr on the treadmill and one hour on VELO plus load trainer (today: Day 4 of a new set).]

Afterwards, the FE transferred the exercise data files to the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer) for downlink, as well as the daily wristband HRM (heart rate monitor) data of the workouts on RED, followed by their erasure on the HRM storage medium (done six times a week).

The crew replaced the SM PCS (Portable Computer System) battery, which wasn t holding its charge, with a fully charged battery from the ER3 (Express Rack #3) laptop which currently is not in use. A plan is in work to identify all available laptop batteries and their current SOC (state of charge).

Working off his job jar task list, Sergei conducted the regular daily inspection of the BIO-5 Rasteniya-2 (“Plants-2”) experiment, including filling its water canister for the Lada-7 greenhouse as required.

At ~3:30pm EDT, the crew is scheduled for their fifth regular (nominally weekly) teleconference with the Lead Flight Director at MCC-H via S-band/audio.

Update on PMA-3 leak: Delta pressure checks on the Node-to-PMA-3 hatch after eight hours yesterday showed a leakage rate below the <2 mmHg success criterion. The ULD (Ultrasonic Leak Detector) check by John Phillips did not produce any conclusive data. The crew was given a Go to tear down the leak check equipment (VAJ/Vacuum Access Jumper & ISA/Internal Sampling Adapter) and continue restowing equipment in front of the Node portside hatch ( water wall ), leaving access to the MPEV (Manual Pressure Equalization Valve) in case any additional leak checks are required in the future.

Conjunction advisory: MCC-H ballistics specialists are closely monitoring a conjunction with orbital debris (SL-14 rocket body, Object 20967), with TCA (time of closest approach) on 6/26 (3:19am EDT). Current predictions show a miss distance of ~10 km. Prediction data are very stable, and there is no need for action at this time.

Today’s CEO (crew earth observations) photo targets, in the current LVLH attitude no longer limited by flight rule constraints on the use of the Lab nadir/science window, were Internal waves, Azores, Atlantic (a cloud free slot persists S and E of the Azores. Looking left for possible internal waves that are poorly mapped in the vicinity of this open-ocean island chain), Karmàn vortices, Canary Islands (Dynamic event. Looking left towards the Canary Islands where conditions are good for the formation of cloud swirls known as von Karmàn vortices.  Light winds and high pressure can induce eddies downwind of obstacles, which may become visible as swirls of cloud. Vortices are already forming downwind of the Madeira Islands further north), and Namib Desert dust, SW Africa (Dynamic event. Dry winter winds blowing out to sea [equivalent of California s Santa Anas] have started along the Namibian coast. Looking right for any dust plumes blowing off the Namib sand dune sea into the Atlantic).

CEO photography can be viewed and studied at the websites:

• http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov
• http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov
• http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Study/AstronautPhotography/

See also the website “Space Station Challenge” at:

• http://voyager.cet.edu/iss/

To view the latest photos taken by the expedition 11 crew visit:

• http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-11/ndxpage1.html at NASA’s Human Spaceflight website.

Expedition 11 Flight Crew Plans can be found at http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/station/timelines/

Previous NASA ISS On-orbit Status Reports can be found here. Previous NASA Space Station Status Reports can be found here. Previous NASA Space Shuttle Processing Status Reports can be found here. A collection of all of these reports and other materials relating to Return to Flight for the Space Shuttle fleet can be found here.

Some Increment 11 Main Events (not final):

• Reboost — 6/29 (4:21pm, delta-V 2.3 m/s);
• LF-1/STS-114 launch — 7/13 (18-day window opens);
• LF-1/STS-114 dock — 7/15 (adding 110,713 kg to ISS mass);
• LF-1/STS-114 undock — 7/23;
• Soyuz TMA-6/10S relocate (from DC-1 to FGB) — ~8/16;
• ULF1.1/STS-121 launch — NET 9/9 (launch window opens);
• ULF1.1/STS-121 dock — 9/11;
• Progress M-53/18P undock — 9/18;
• ULF1.1/STS-121 undock — 9/19;
• Progress M-54/19P launch — 9/20 (dock 9/22);
• Soyuz TMA-7/11S launch — 9/27;
• Soyuz TMA-7/11S dock — 9/29;
• 12A/STS-115 launch — NET 2/16/06;
• Soyuz TMA-7/11S relocate (from DC-1 to FGB) — ~10/15;
• 12A.1/STS-116 launch — NET 4/23/06;
• 13A/STS-117 launch — NET 7/13/06.

ISS Orbit  (as of this morning, 7:43am EDT [= epoch]):

• Mean altitude — 350.1 km
• Apogee height — 352.7 km
• Perigee height — 347.4 km
• Period — 91.54 min.
• Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
• Eccentricity — 0.0003913
• Solar Beta Angle — 51.1 deg (magnitude increasing)
• Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.73
• Mean altitude loss in last 24 hours — 45
• Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 37683

ISS Altitude History

Apogee height — Mean Altitude — Perigee height

For more on ISS orbit and worldwide ISS naked-eye visibility dates/times, see http://www.hq.nasa.gov/osf/station/viewing/issvis.html. In addition, information on International Space Station sighting opportunities can be found at http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/ on NASA’s Human Spaceflight website. The current location of the International Space Station can be found at http://science.nasa.gov/temp/StationLoc.html at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Additional satellite tracking resources can be found at http://www.spaceref.com/iss/tracking.html.